Oppenheimer Renews A-Bombing Debate
By Bob Small
The movie Oppenheimer has renewed debate over the United States dropping two atomic bombs on Japan on Aug. 5 and 9, 1945. In discussion of this “weapon to end all wars”, a recent Yahoo News 360 article lists seven other articles that examine the U.S. decision from various viewpoints. All articles are recommended.
“Like many Americans, I was taught growing up that my grandfather was spared the burden of invading Japan and very likely dying because Harry Truman dropped a pair of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and ended the war. The main function of such stories is to justify a terrible war crime,” states David Klion of The New Republic.
The Washington Examiner makes a strong case that a Japanese surrender was not imminent.
“For starters, the Japanese were not remotely ready to surrender to the Allies, and the alternative to dropping the bombs was a full-scale land invasion of the islands. Conventional attacks, including regular bombing, would have resulted in widespread civilian casualties as well as the long-term destruction of Japanese infrastructure.”
It should be noted that the Japanese deaths and injuries due to radiation should be included in the final calculation of the bombs’ toll.
This LA Times article reflects on other Hollywood films about the bombing.
For some different perspectives, see these websites.
A director tackles the story of Japan’s own nuclear experiment
7 Most Devastating Movies About the Atomic Bomb to Watch Next
For some reason, Godzilla is not included in movies.
One of the incidents mentioned in this article is “the coup attempt”. “There’s a coup attempt—soldiers running to the palace, trying to break the record of the Emperor’s surrender speech so that he can’t surrender in the morning. It’s that close.”
The Brandywine remembrance, which we have attended, will be held on Aug. 9.
For thoughts on the myth that “military power prevents conflict”, see What Does the Anti-Nuclear Movement Think of from Slate Magazine
Also from the Yahoo 360 article;
The Impossible Story of the Bomb – The Ringer
The dark — and often misunderstood — nuclear history behind Oppenheimer …
